Club (Ula-fumiti)

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs

Culture Niuean

Dateearly to mid 19th Century

Made AtNiue

Collection SiteNiue

MediumWood

Dimensions68 7/8 × 5 1/16 × 1 1/4 in. (174.9 × 12.9 × 3.2 cm)
In stand: 70 1/2 × 6 × 6 in. (179.1 × 15.2 × 15.2 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object number2018.4.1

DescriptionThe ula-fumiti is a sub-variety of the Niue katoua which has a steep curve at its top rather than a point. On Niue the katoua was the primary melee weapon used in warfare. It is brandished much in the same way as the Maori taiaha, used to deflect incoming blows and striking one’s enemy. The pointed bottom end of the club was used to stab opponents who had fallen to the ground. The flattened spike at the top of the weapon was supposedly decorative, but as the tops of ula-fumiti could have served as grips, it may have been another hand hold for plunging the club downwards. Many katoua have woven grips made from rattan. Based on the patination around the lower shaft of this club, there is some evidence that this club previously had a grip, but it has since been removed. Other adornments such as shells are sometimes seen.

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